Recruitment

Welcome to the City of Thunder Bay's firefighter recruitment and selection process. Here you will find an outline of the recruitment and selection process, and the duties and responsibilities for the position of firefighter.

The next recruitment process is projected to be in 2020. This website page will be updated at that time.

The recruitment and selection process consists of six stages:

1st Stage - Written aptitude test

The first stage of the recruitment process is a written aptitude test.

This test is specifically designed for entry-level applicants with no previous fire related education or experience. The test measures applicants' abilities in a number of areas including their understanding of written and oral information, their mechanical aptitude and mathematics. The exam is in multiple choice format with no penalty for wrong answers.

During this stage applicants will also be required to complete a Firefighter Application form.

Applicants must provide proof of identity with photo identification. No other form of identification will be accepted. A $60 registration fee will also be required before the applicant is allowed to write the Aptitude Test. Applicants who obtain a passing mark in this written test will be invited to participate in the Fitness Assessment and will be officially notified by the City of Thunder Bay Human Resources Department, through the mail.

2nd Stage - Health and medical fitness evaluation assessment

The second stage of the recruitment process is a health and medical fitness evaluation assessment.

The fee for this assessment is $200.00 including taxes.

Physical conditioning must be at a high level, therefore the applicants selected to proceed to this part of the process participate in a medical/physical test to determine their ability to handle the heavy physical, mental and emotional demands of the job.

The fitness test determines the candidate's general level of physical conditioning and also helps to determine the candidate's suitability to participate in the job-related fitness tests.

A medical by the applicant's family doctor is required prior to the fitness test. Any cost associated with the medical is to be paid by the applicant. There is a fitness and job-related test fee which is to be paid by the applicant prior to the test.

All the fitness and job-related testing will take place at Station 3, 60 North Water Street. The testing is done in groups of 6-8 applicants per time block.

It is highly recommended that all individuals interested in entering the Firefighter examination process begin a physical training program immediately and plan on continuing that program throughout the testing process and into their firefighting career.

The general fitness test consists of the following items:

BLOOD PRESSURE: The candidate may not proceed if blood pressure reading is 144/94 or greater. In the event that a candidates blood pressure is at or above the max threshold the City's Employee Health Nurse will be involved with further verification of a blood pressure reading. There is no scoring of this component.

1. SIT AND REACH: The applicant sits with the legs fully extended and reaches with the hands as far forward as possible while bending at the hips. The soles of the feet are placed against the measuring device and this is the 26-cm mark.

2. SIT-UPS: The applicant is in a back-lying position on a mat with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor. The feet will be anchored at the base of the ankles. One sit-up is measured beginning with the shoulders on the mat, lifting the body until the elbows touch the knees and then returning to the starting position. Sit-ups will be done consecutively without pausing until fatigue or at the end of the one-minute time limit.

3. SHUTTLE RUN: This test is an evaluation of aerobic fitness. A warm-up is included as part of the test and only the last portion requires maximal effort. The objective is to follow the progressively increasing pace over a 20-metre course.

The Fire Service reserves the right to update the test items and/or scoring.

Successful candidates will be allowed a 15 minute rest break before they go on to the Job-Related Physical Fitness testing.

For further information on fitness testing, contact the Program Supervisor - Adult Fitness and Wellness, Canada Games Complex, 807-684-3338.

3rd Stage - Job related physical fitness test

The third stage of the recruitment process is a Job-Related Physical Fitness Tests.

The seven tests to be performed are designed to recreate the physical demands of a firefighter's job. Candidates will handle some items of equipment commonly used by professional firefighters such as ladders, hoses, ropes and self-contained breathing apparatus. The inability to wear breathing apparatus, to go into small areas because of fear of being confined (Claustrophobia), or the inability to climb ladders due to a fear of heights (acrophobia), fails the candidate.

Climb an extension ladder up four floors, uncouple and recouple a hose coupling (safety line attached) wearing a 40 pound [18 kg] vest.

Ladder Lift

Lift a ladder off a wall bracket, place the ladder on the ground, then lift and return to the bracket.

Rope Pull

Hoist and lower a hose weighing 70 pounds [32 kg] up three stories, three times using a rope and roller.

Hose Carry

Lift and carry a hose weighing 85 pounds [39 kg] up and down three stories, three times.

Blacked-Out Face Mask

Travel through a prescribed course wearing a blacked-out facemask.

Hose Drag

Pull a 150 pound [70 kg] load along a 15 metre course.

NOTE: Weights and distances may vary slightly.

4th Stage - Resume/application review

The fourth stage of the recruitment process is the resume and application review.

allows for a comparison of the applicants based on qualifications, skills and abilities, and conditions of employment as identified by the job description. This process ensures that only the qualified applicants are contacted for interviews.

5th Stage - Interview

The fifth stage of the recruitment process is an in-person interview.

A personal interview is conducted to determine a candidate's employment experience related skills, and to provide further insight into the applicant's suitability for the job.

6th Stage - Reference checks

The sixth stage of the recruitment process is the reference checks.

Reference checks are done for all leading candidates to validate candidate information and get an overall sense of job performance from past employers.

Firefighter position information

The emergency response role involves the control and extinguishment of fire, salvage and rescue work and many other duties, under the immediate supervision of a superior officer. The fire station role involves duties relating to maintenance of station, vehicles and equipment, as well as training and preparedness to respond quickly to any emergency. Firefighter Job Description

City of Thunder Bay Firefighter's salary and benefits

Firefighter's salaries are a scaled range based on experience, starting from a Firefighter 4th Class up to a Firefighter 1st Class. Benefits are also available. Refer to the Career Guide - 2018 for more information.

Contact

If you have any questions, please email our Division Chief or call 807-625-2479. Alternatively, inquiries can be made via email to our Fire Administration or by phone to 807-625-2103.

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